Serogroup B Vaccines

CDC recommends permissive use of meningococcal serogroup B vaccine for ages 16-23, with a preferred age of 16-18. This recommendation joins the long-standing recommendation that all adolescents get meningococcal A, C, W and Y vaccine at age 11-12 with a booster dose at 16.

Serogroup B vaccine is particularly important for older adolescents and young adults because it is the most common cause of meningococcal disease in this age group. Now older adolescents and young adults can decide, in collaboration with their healthcare professionals, if they wish to be vaccinated against serogroup B. The permissive recommendation also paves the way for coverage by private and public health insurance, including the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC).

In addition to the permissive recommendation for ages 16-23, CDC recommends serogroup B vaccines for all of the following individuals who are also at higher risk for the disease:

Laboratory personnel who are routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria

Those who might have been exposed to meningococcal disease during an outbreak, such as those on college campuses

People with persistent complement component deficiency or anatomic or functional asplenia

NMA will continue to advocate for the broadest vaccine recommendations possible to protect against this devastating disease.

Disclaimer: Information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Those seeking medical advice should consult a clinician or other health care provider.